that would help the federal government in terms of dealing with the deficit, but nonetheless, it still won't be enough, but it will be a start in that direction. that's the current cutoff, but we don't have that deal yet. absent that deal and as long as the clock keeps ticking, all of this is on the table for all of us. one more thing i should mention, bear in mind this past year, all of us have enjoyed a payroll tax vacation. payroll taxes were reduced across the country to help people deal with this bad economy right now. that's ending. there's no sign that's not going to end. everyone is going to pay a little more anyway. what we're worried about is this extra level on top. that is what many volters are paying attention to and that is the real bear in the woods that has democrats and republicans both worried about these negotiations. >> the clock, as you point out, is ticking, ticking, ticking right now. tom, thank you. >>> what's at stake for the millions of americans already out of a job once the country goes over the fiscal cliff? that and much more when our special coverage cont